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Your 3-Step Spring Awakening – 100% PURE

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Can you feel it? There is a certain magic in the air as the world begins to stretch and wake up. Just as we tuck away our heavy wool coats and thick scarves, our skin is also ready to shed the heavy, sluggish layers of winter. This is the season of the Spring Awakening—a joyful time to transition your routine into something lighter, brighter, and absolutely full of life.

At 100% PURE, we don’t believe in “covering up” dullness. We believe in revealing the vibrant, healthy-looking skin that’s been waiting underneath all along. Let’s welcome the sun with a complexion that feels as fresh and radiant as a new bloom.

Why Winter Leaves Skin Looking Dull

Winter can be a demanding season for our natural beauty. The combination of biting cold air outside and parching indoor heat acts like a sponge, depleting the essential lipids that keep our skin barrier feeling soft and resilient. When those lipids are gone, skin can look “hushed”—tired, flaky, and lacking its natural bounce.

This is where Restoration begins. Before we can brighten, we must nourish. Think of our Virgin Coconut Moisturizing Milk Foam as a “nourishing hug” for your face. While traditional cleansers might strip away what little moisture is left, this creamy, dream-like foam uses lauric acid to gently detoxify while replenishing the skin with comforting hydration. It’s the essential first step to restoring comfort and preparing your canvas for a true glow.

Step 1: The Gentle Shedding (The Glow Max Bright Mask)

To find your spring radiance, you first have to let go of the past—specifically, the dead skin cells that have accumulated over the colder months. But forget those harsh, gritty scrubs that can cause micro-tears and irritation.

We invite you to experience the Science of Soft. Our Vitamin C Glow Max Bright Mask uses a brilliant “intelligent” exfoliation method.

  • The Transformation: Natural enzymes from papaya and pineapple act like tiny, specialized workers that specifically target and dissolve the “glue” holding dead skin cells in place.
  • The Result: You’re left with a surface that is incredibly smooth, polished, and ready to drink in nutrients. It’s a sensory delight that leaves you looking rested and revitalized without any of the “sting”.

Step 2: The Deep Infusion (The Brightening Serum)

If the mask is the preparation, the Brightening Serum is the heartbeat of your new ritual. This is where we infuse the skin with lush, expressive ingredients that create that coveted “lit-from-within” glow.

We’ve layered this serum with sake (fermented rice water) and licorice root to create a formula that is as effective as it is elegant.

  • The Glow: Sake is rich in enzymes and amino acids that help soften the skin and promote a more even-looking tone.
  • The Balance: Licorice root works quietly and confidently to soothe the skin and diminish the appearance of dark spots.
    This serum doesn’t just sit on top; it sinks in deeply to support a healthy-looking radiance that feels authentic and lasting.

Step 3: The Protective Seal (Face & Eye Cream)

The final step is all about locking in that newfound vitality and protecting it throughout the day. This is the moment to benefit-stack your way to total confidence.

By layering our Vitamin C Face Cream and Vitamin C Eye Creamyou are creating a “protective seal” of stabilized antioxidants.

  • For the Face: This cream is a powerhouse of hydration and elasticity. It leaves the skin feeling plump, dewy, and incredibly supple, ensuring your spring glow lasts from your morning coffee to your evening wind-down.
  • For the Eyes: The eye cream is a refreshing treat for the most delicate part of your face. It depuffs and brightens, making your eyes look wide-awake and luminous.

Together, this duo ensures that the hard work of your serum stays exactly where it belongs—working for you all day long.

Conclusion: Awaken Your Routine

Your skincare ritual should be more than just a task; it is a daily act of self-care and a celebration of your own health. As the seasons change, we invite you to Awaken your routine with the Radiance Renewal System.

When you treat your skin with intention and pure, high-performance ingredients, the results aren’t just visible—they’re felt. You’ll walk out the door feeling more refreshed, more radiant, and more confident. Let this spring be the time you fall in love with your skin all over again.

FAQ Section

Should I use the Radiance Renewal System every day?

For the best results, yes! While the Vitamin C Glow Max Bright Mask is a wonderful treat to use 2-3 times a week, the cleanser, serum, and moisturizers are designed to be your daily support system. Consistency is the key to maintaining that “lit-from-within” spring glow.

Can I layer the Brightening Serum with other products?

Absolutely. Our Brightening Serum is incredibly lightweight and blendable. It plays beautifully with our other targeted treatments. Just remember to apply your products from thinnest to thickest consistency to ensure maximum absorption and benefit.

Why is a “system” more effective than using random products?

Think of a “system” like a recipe. Each product in the Radiance Renewal System is specifically formulated to “talk” to the others. The cleanser preps, the serum treats, and the cream seals. When you use them together, you’re creating a synergistic effect where the total benefit is even greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the most intentional way to ensure your skin gets everything it needs to thrive.

Granny Trainers Are The Normcore Shoe We’re Obsessing Over In Spring 2026

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White with honey soles

There are some trainers that exemplify the allure of simple cleanliness. This creamy white model with a honey-coloured sole belongs to that category. Neither too chunky nor too flat (in line with the trend for super-slim trainers at the moment), this pair is the ultimate neutral, polished shoe. They will go with anything, but feel particularly successful with light blue jeans, ivory trousers, beige linen or a deep brown midi skirt. Essentially, high-quality wardrobe classics with a simple, clean cut and sober but sophisticated colour palette. It’s the kind of shoe that makes even a simple T-shirt feel more elegant.

Classic camel

The second pair comes with a slightly different energy. Warmer. More personality. The suede texture gives it body without weighing down the design. The contrast laces add identity without over-complicating things. This pair will work wonderfully with shades like ecru, off-white, chocolate or navy blue. It will also shine with a shirt dress or a pair of pleated pants and a thin belt: clothes with impeccable manners and a special kind of poise. These trainers feel grown-up in the best sense of the word.

Image may contain: Suede, Clothing, Footwear, and Shoe

Steve Madden Asiel Trainers With Contrast Laces

Sandy suede

Sometimes the most practical pair ends up being the prettiest. This light, sand-toned sneaker proves just that. The suede textures softens the ensemble, while the serrated base gives it a utilitarian feel. The effect is modern, clean and incredibly easy to integrate into a well-curated closet. To look effortlessly on-trend (but also timelessly classic), opt for a short trench coat, straight-leg trousers, a thin sweater wrapped around your shoulders or a shirt dress with a structured bag. You don’t need embellishments for this look to work, it has that kind of presence that stands on its own.

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Shoe, Sneaker, and Suede

Polished black

A practical black pair of trainers solves a multitude of styling woes. This model features smooth leather, a sober shape and a comfortable sole. Very sensible. It’s almost unfashionable in its utilitarianism, but that’s part of the appeal. It will go perfectly with grey tailored trousers, a satin skirt, dark denim or a beige knitwear ensemble. It doesn’t steal attention from the look, but adds a precise finish.

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Shoe, and Sneaker

All-over beige

There’s something so satisfying about trainers which have the same colour upper and sole. It creates a pared-back but reliable uniformity. The suede, on the other hand, adds depth. This model will pair perfectly with shades like butter yellow, oatmeal, taupe and off-white. It will also look subtly but assuredly stylish with raw denim and a light blue shirt.

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Shoe, Suede, and Sneaker

Retro cream

This pair harkens back to another era without getting stuck there. The definition of classic, these shoes mix retro sportswear with modern elegance. They will go with a pleated tennis skirt, capri pants, a knit dress or wide bermuda shorts with a poplin shirt. It’s a pair that feels fresh, light, but quietly playful.

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Shoe, Sneaker, Running Shoe, and Suede

Among all these styles is a common thread: a neutral simplicity and a preference for classic style over trends. Granny trainers will be ruling the footwear game precisely because they’re so inoffensive – a world away from the over-the-top shoes we’ve been seeing lately. That’s why they work so well.

A version of this article was originally published in Glamour Mexico.

Shop the post: a spring wish list

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How Susie Wang Stabilized Vitamin C – 100% PURE

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The Scene: 2004 and the Mystery of the Brown Liquid

Imagine it’s 2004. Our founder, Susie Wang, is looking at a bottle of high-end, luxury Vitamin C serum. When she first purchased it, the liquid was clear and pristine. But within just a few weeks, it had transformed into a murky, muddy brown.

The change wasn’t just visual. There was a metallic, slightly sour scent—the unmistakable smell of oxidation. Susie didn’t just see a spoiled product; she saw a technical failure that the entire beauty industry was simply ignoring. She returned to the department store counters, checking tester after tester, only to find the same degraded, brown liquid being sold to unsuspecting customers.

This was the “Mythic Evidence” moment that changed everything. Susie realized that if a luxury brand couldn’t keep its most powerful antioxidant stable, she would have to invent a way to do it herself.

Why “Brown” Vitamin C is a Warning Sign

In the world of Science-Backed Puritywe believe education is the ultimate form of empowerment. When Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) turns brown, it means it has oxidized.

From Antioxidant to Pro-oxidant

The danger isn’t just that the product has lost its potency. When Vitamin C degrades, it can actually become pro-oxidative. Instead of fighting off the free radicals that cause premature aging, an oxidized serum can potentially contribute to the very skin stress it was meant to prevent.

At 100% PURE, we refuse to compromise. We believe a “clean” product that doesn’t work—or worse, one that has turned unstable—isn’t truly pure. This chemical vigilance is the heartbeat of our brand DNA.

The Patent That Changed Everything

Susie retreated to her lab—which, in those early days, was her own home—and began a mission to “fix” Vitamin C. Her breakthrough led to her very first patent, a discovery that remains a cornerstone of our high-performance skincare today.

The Oil-Stabilization Barrier

Think of it like this: If you slice an apple and leave it on the counter, it turns brown almost immediately because of the air. But if you coat that slice in a protective layer, it stays crisp, white, and fresh.

Susie’s patented method uses a unique oil-stabilization barrier to wrap the delicate Vitamin C molecules. This barrier protects the vitamin from air and light, ensuring it stays potent and active until the very moment it touches your skin. It was an innovation born under pressure, achieved without a massive corporate R&D machine, proving that passion and scientific rigor can redefine an entire industry.

Stability You Can See and Feel

This legacy of discovery lives on in our Vitamin C Face Cream and Vitamin C Eye Cream. These aren’t just moisturizers; they are the direct descendants of that original 1999/2004 breakthrough.

  • Vitamin C Face Cream: This cream delivers the stabilized power of Vitamin C in a lush, hydrating base of sunflower seed oil and cocoa butter. Because we manufacture this in our own San Jose facility (Purity Park)we control the “chain of custody” and ensure every jar is as fresh as the day it was formulated. It leaves your skin feeling remarkably soft, plump, and rejuvenated.
  • Vitamin C Eye Cream: The delicate skin around your eyes deserves the most stable protection. This fan-favorite targets dark circles and puffiness with a formula that stays active and effective, helping you achieve a bright, rested look every morning.

Integrating the Full Renewal Ritual

To get the most out of our stabilized Vitamin C, it helps to prepare the “canvas” of your skin.

Our Virgin Coconut Moisturizing Milk Foam uses the natural power of lauric acid to gently detoxify and soften the skin without stripping away its natural moisture. By starting with a clean, hydrated base, your skin is better prepared to absorb the potent nutrients in our Brightening Serumwhich uses sake and licorice to balance and prep the skin for the final, “lit-from-within” layer of our Vitamin C creams.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Skin’s Vitality

At 100% PURE, our mission is “Anti-oxidation” in every sense of the word. We aren’t just creating beautiful textures and scents; we are innovators who use Conscious Chemistry to protect your skin’s vitality and youthfulness.

When you choose 100% PURE, you aren’t just buying skincare—you are benefiting from over 20 years of scientific refusal to accept the status quo. We are here to ensure your glow is never a “trick,” but a lasting transformation rooted in genuine care and proven science.

FAQ Section

How do I know if my Vitamin C serum has oxidized?

The easiest way to tell is by the color and scent. A fresh Vitamin C product should be clear, white, or a very pale champagne color. If your serum has turned a dark orange or muddy brown, it has oxidized. You may also notice a change in smell—oxidized Vitamin C often develops a sharp, metallic, or “hot dog water” scent.

What makes 100% PURE’s stabilization method unique?

Unlike many brands that use synthetic stabilizers or simply ignore the degradation of their formulas, we use a patented oil-stabilization method. By encasing the Vitamin C in a protective oil barrier, we prevent the “browning” reaction (oxidation) while keeping the ingredient bio-available and ready to work for your skin.

Why is stabilized Vitamin C better for skin firmness?

Vitamin C is a vital co-factor in the production of collagen, which keeps skin looking firm and bouncy. However, only active Vitamin C can support this process. If the vitamin has already oxidized in the bottle, it won’t be able to provide the same firming and revitalizing benefits to your skin. Our stabilized formula ensures you get the full, high-performance payoff for a smoother, younger-looking complexion.

A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder Season 2 Just Gave Us An Exciting Update

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Screenwriter and executive producer Poppy Cogan shared this sentiment: “I’m delighted to be back in Little Kilton with Pip and friends for season two, and to have the opportunity to bring another of Holly’s gripping stories to the screen.”

Speaking to Variety in 2023, producers Matthew Read and Frith Tiplady had previously shared that “future seasons would look at the subsequent novels” in the Good Girls series, and that though they hoped A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder would be “a returning series,” season one would end neatly just in case. “The season has a real end — I think audiences [are] getting a bit frustrated with not having a resolution,” Tiplady admitted before Read added, “You find out whodunnit, but Pip’s journey continues in the subsequent novels.”

What will A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2 be about?

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 1 follows the story of high schooler Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi (Emma Myers) as she sets out to uncover the truth behind the five-year-old murder case of Andie Bell as part of a school project. Andie is believed to have been murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, but true crime enthusiast Pip is not so sure, so to prove his innocence and find the real culprit, she links up with Sal’s brother, Ravi Singh (Zain Iqbal).

The second season will be based on Jackson’s sequel novel, Good Girl, Bad Blood, and will pick up right after Pip solves the Andie Bell case. Her world has changed, and she’s unsure if she wants to pursue any more investigations. However, when a witness in the Max Hastings trial disappears, Pip is back in action. “This new mystery will take Pip to unexpected places as she struggles with the idea of justice, straying even further from the ‘good girl’ she once was,” Netflix shared in a press release when the renewal was announced.

© 2026 Netflix, Inc.

The season’s official logline, as shared by Netflix, is as follows: “After solving the Andie Bell case, Pip (Emma Myers) is determined to fix the fallout—and stay away from any more investigations. But as Max Hastings’s (Henry Ashton) trial approaches, Connor’s (Jude Morgan-Collie) brother Jamie (Eden H Davies) suddenly disappears, and Pip finds herself in a race against time to find him.” We are already intrigued.

Who’s in the cast of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2?

The main cast of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder features Wednesday star Emma Myers as Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi and Zain Iqbal as Ravi Singh, both of whom return for season 2. Also returning are Asha Banks as Cara Ward, Jude Morgan-Collie as Connor Reynolds, Yali Topol Margalith as Lauren Gibson, and Henry Ashton as Max Hastings.

What Is ‘Plastic Bag Theory’? Why ‘Easygoing’ Men Can Be Exhausting

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In theory, everyone says they want to be with someone easygoing: The perfect man won’t argue, won’t overreact, and will just go along with whatever you want, which sounds peaceful. But lately, the internet’s “plastic bag theory” has been making a compelling case for why those breezy, agreeable partners can end up being the most exhausting ones to date.

The idea comes from men’s relationship coach and motivational speaker Alessandro Frosali, who compared some low-maintenance partners to, well, plastic bags in a viral video. “You don’t initiate. You don’t plan things,” Frosali declares of the plastic bag man. “You just go with the flow and wait for her to make all the plans in the relationship.” He goes on to put it more bluntly: “What that practically feels like for a woman is living with a man who has the spine of a flaccid plastic bag going down the river…. It just goes along.” Yikes.

At first, that kind of “chill” can be alluring, “especially if you’re used to a volatile or hot-blooded guy or you’re coming out of a chaotic relationship,” Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist based in New York City, tells SELF. “So the absence of initial friction reads as security.”

But as you might notice over time, being “easy” can, in some cases, be a convenient cover for not caring—and carrying less of the mental load. When a person has no real preferences, no urgency to decide, and no instinct to step up, that misplaced effort doesn’t just disappear. Instead, it lands on the other person in the relationship, who is suddenly booking every reservation, initiating any conversation that has to do with budgeting or whether this relationship is going anywhere, and circling back on the thing he said he’d handle—while he, like a plastic bag, merrily drifts along.

According to experts, someone can be easygoing without being passive, or flexible while also staying engaged. In other words, just because he’s chill doesn’t mean he’s detached—there’s a line. So here are the biggest red flags that someone is a “plastic bag” man, and signs of a healthier partner to look for instead.

He doesn’t take initiative.

Taking initiative doesn’t mean being controlling or rigid, Dr. Romanoff says. It just means showing effort and investment without needing to be asked. He should text first because he wants to talk. He notices when you’re upset and is mindful to bring it up before it becomes a full-blown issue.

Shiseido names Romain Carrega to spearhead Gallinée’s growth

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Three years after its acquisition, Shiseido is looking to accelerate the growth of Gallinée, a young French dermocosmetics brand and pioneer in skin microbiome care. To lead this next phase, the group has appointed Romain Carregawho will focus on expanding the brand’s presence and deepening consumer engagement across Europe.

Romain Carrega succeeds Anne Ravillion, who successfully led the brand’s integration within the group and its rapid commercial expansion in European markets – notably with a tenfold increase in its pharmacy distribution network.

Recently appointed Deputy Chief Marketing Officer Derma & Prestige at Shiseido EMEA, Romain Carrega will lead Gallinée’s global communications, product development, operations, digital, and trade marketing teams to strengthen the brand’s impact and support its expansion.

A graduate of HEC Paris, he previously served as Director of the Prestige division for the EMEA region, where he led the strategic development and omnichannel marketing of the group’s prestige portfolio (including Shiseido and Clé de Peau Beauté) across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Before joining Shiseido, he spent over ten years with the L’Oréal Group, holding international management positions in Europe and Asia-Pacific, notably as Regional Director for the Vichy brand in Asia-Pacific.


Gallinée stands out for its unique scientific positioning around the microbiome and its strong growth potential across Europe. Over the past three years, we have structured its development within the Shiseido Group and accelerated its distribution, particularly in pharmacies. Our ambition now is to further strengthen the brand, sharpen our messaging to consumers, and enhance its visibility to drive deeper engagement,” the executive explains.

3 Trending Lash Sets to Create in 2026

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Think soft, intentional, and efficient. Clients are still craving noticeable results, but with a lighter, more wearable finish that enhances their natural features rather than overpowering them.

As a lash artist, staying ahead of trends isn’t just about creativity, it’s about giving your clients exactly what they’re already asking for. These three trending lash styles are dominating appointment requests, Pinterest boards, and saved Instagram posts, and for good reason.

#1 Premade Sets

Speed and retention are everything in 2026, and premade fans are changing the game. By incorporating premades into your sets, you can significantly cut down your appointment time while still delivering full, seamless volume.

With slim bases, a lightweight feel, and easy customization, premade fans allow you to work more efficiently without compromising your artistry. The result? Faster sets, better retention, and consistently beautiful outcomes your clients will keep coming back for.

SHOP PRODUCTS

Map details: CC curl | .07 premade fans | 8-12-8mm
Lash Artist: @bethcarolbeauty_ebl

#2 Clean Girl Sets

The “clean girl” aesthetic isn’t going anywhere and lash clients are fully on board. This style is all about creating a soft, wispy finish that looks polished but never overdone.

By combining different lash textures, you can build airy dimension and subtle density that enhances the eyes while keeping everything lightweight and wearable. It’s the perfect go-to for clients who want to look put together every day without feeling too glam.

SHOP PRODUCTS

Map details:

  • Top Layer: 5–12mm | .15 CC Curl Classics

  • Bottom Layer: 5–9mm | .07 CC Curl Volume Fans

  • Middle Layer: 5–9mm | .07 CC Curl Closed Fans (lightly sprinkled)


Lash Artist: @bloombybrycie

#3 Brown Sets

Brown lashes are quickly becoming a must-have in every lash artist’s kit. They offer a softer alternative to black while still delivering depth and definition, making them perfect for clients who want a more natural, seamless look.

They’re especially flattering on lighter features, but also incredibly versatile, blending beautifully with darker lashes to create added dimension and a more customized finish. In 2026, it’s all about enhancing, not overpowering, and brown lashes do exactly that.

SHOP PRODUCTS

Map details: CC .07 Cocoa Tray

  • Bottom Layer 8–9-10-9-8-7
  • Top Layer: 11-12-11-10

Lash Artist: @
iwokeuplikethis_lashes


Stay Ahead of Lash Trends in 2026

The biggest shift we’re seeing this year? Clients want lashes that feel like them, just elevated. Soft texture, strategic dimension, and efficient application are the foundation of modern lashing.

By mastering these trending styles, you’re not only keeping up, you’re positioning yourself as the go-to artist your clients trust to deliver exactly what they’re envisioning!

Doctor Foster Season 3 Has Started Shooting

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On returning to Doctor Foster, Jones says: “When I got the call to ask if I wanted to return as Gemma Foster, I knew the time was right. We needed space from the first two series, and we needed Tom – Gemma and Simon’s runaway son – to return as an adult with questions. For me, this time around it’s about accountability and questioning – ‘can we ever truly sever ties with our past and the damage or traumas that haunt us, so we can fully move forward?’ Gemma and Simon have so much to unpick! It’s been an exciting time working with the brilliant Mike Bartlett again, and the team at Drama Republic, on the scripts and now I can’t wait to start filming.”

BBC

How many episodes will be in season three of Doctor Foster?

The BBC has reported that the new season will consist of five episodes, each running for around 60 minutes. It will be available to watch on BBC and via BBC iPlayer.

Previous seasons were released an episode a week.

What will Doctor Foster season three be about?

Here’s the official synopsis, “Ten years ago, on discovering her husband Simon was having an affair, Gemma Foster enacted a masterful revenge. But the fallout was devastating when her 15-year-old son Tom disappeared. Now, in series three, Gemma is still a GP, still in the same house, but on the brink of a fresh start: she has met someone new and is getting married. But as the wedding day draws closer, and friends and family gather, shadows from the past begin to re-emerge threatening both her happiness and her reputation. As Gemma fights to protect those she loves and expose whoever’s intent on hurting her, will she be able to put the past to bed, dispense justice, and claim the future she deserves, before it is too late?”

Image may contain Suranne Jones Anthony Parker Dining Table Furniture Table Architecture Building and Dining Room

BBC/Laurence Cendrowicz

Who is in the cast of Doctor Foster season three?

The full cast list has yet to be released, but here’s what we know so far. Bertie Carvel will return as Simon Foster, and Tom Taylor is also set to reprise his role as Tom Foster, alongside Suranne Jones as Gemma. The trio were specifically mentioned by creator Mike Bartlett, confirming their involvement in the final chapter of the story.

Will this be the final season of Doctor Foster?

Don’t get your hopes up again, as this is really it. This is the final season of the hit show.

You’re Probably Eating More Fat and Calories Than the Label Says—Here’s Why

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The whole point of a nutritional label is to help inform you of what’s inside the package. But the recent David protein bar class action lawsuit has brought up a loophole in the Food and Drug Administration’s regulations around nutritional labels that most people aren’t aware of. Basically, there’s a fair amount of wiggle room between what the label says and what you actually get.

In case you haven’t been following the lawsuit, it alleged that independent lab tests discovered that David protein bars contain 400% more fat and 80% more calories than advertised. That sparked comparisons to when Regina George was given “healthy” bars in Mean Girls that made her gain weight. David founder Peter Rahal acknowledged the cultural reference on X, writing, “No one is getting Regina Georged.” (Rahal explained that the confusion came down to how calories were measured—what the human body can absorb and use vs. measuring things like fiber, sweeteners, and fat substitutes that aren’t digestible calories.) The lawsuit was dismissed on Tuesday.

But this still doesn’t mean that your food labels are 100% accurate. FDA regulations for food labels allow for a margin of error for everything from fat, calories, and added sugar to nutrients. How concerned about this should you be? We tapped nutritionists for more.

The FDA’s food label regulations leave a large margin of error.

According to the FDA’s regulations around food labels, there can be a 20% overage with fat, calories, added sugar, carbs, fiber, and sugar alcohols. So, if you’re eating a 200-calorie protein bar, it could contain an extra 40 calories before the FDA would consider intervening.

At the same time, nutrients like fiber, protein, and vitamins can be 20% lower than what’s on the label. Basically, what the label says and what you’re actually ingesting can be pretty different. “Those labels are giving you a big-picture snapshot,” Jessica Cording, RD, CDN, author of The Little Book of Game-Changerstells SELF. “The nutrient information is a ballpark number.”

The FDA doesn’t pre-approve food labels, which puts the responsibility on manufacturers to be accurate about what’s in their products. That doesn’t mean companies are deliberately trying to fudge their numbers—nutritional information is simply hard to measure precisely.

“Food labeling is based on a mix of lab analysis and database estimates, both of which have variability,” Scott Keatley, RD, co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, tells SELF. “Ingredients vary by batch, processing changes nutrient composition, and methods have error margins. The FDA builds in a tolerance so manufacturers can comply without constant reformulation or relabeling for minor fluctuations.”